Saxophonist Master Gunnery Sergeant Nomar Longoria of McAllen, Texas, joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in May 2001. He was appointed principal in 2005 and section leader in 2007.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Longoria began his musical instruction at age 4. Upon graduating in 1991 from McAllen Memorial High School, he attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1996. He pursued graduate studies at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he was a teaching fellow. His principal instructors include Dr. Michael Jacobson and Dr. Eric Nestler.

Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Master Gunnery Sgt. Longoria was a member of the United States Army Field Band in Fort Meade, Md.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Longoria performs with the Marine Band at the White House, in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and across the country during the band’s annual concert tour. In 2007 he was featured as a tour soloist on John Williams’ Suite from Catch Me if You Can (Escapades for Saxophone and Orchestra) and on the 2014 tour he performed Jimmy Dorsey’s “Oodles of Noodles.”